The effects of clinical task interruptions on subsequent performance of a medication pre-administration task

There is a surge of research exploring the role of task interruptions in the manifestation of primary task errors both in controlled experimental settings, and safety critical workplaces such as healthcare. Despite such research providing valuable insights into the disruptive properties of task interruption, and, the importance of considering the likely disruptive consequences of clinical task interruptions in healthcare environments, there is an urgent need for an approach that best mimics complex working environments such as healthcare, whilst allowing better control over experimental variables with minimal constraints. We propose that this can be achieved with ecologically sensitive experimental tasks designed to have high levels of experimental control so that theoretical as well as practical parameters and factors can be tested. We developed a theoretically and ecologically informed procedural memory-based task - the CAMROSE Medication Pre-Administration Task. Results revealed significantly more sequence errors were made on low, moderate and high complex conditions compared to no interruption condition. There was no significant difference in non-sequence errors. Findings reveal the importance of developing ecologically valid tasks to explore non-observable characteristics of clinical task interruptions. Both theoretical and possible practical implications are discussed

Burnout in Portuguese physiotherapists during COVID‐19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE: This study described the burnout experienced by physiotherapists during the COVID‐19 pandemic and analysed the role of possible factors of this occupational phenomenon. METHODS: Cross‐sectional study based on a web‐based survey applied to physiotherapists living in Portugal. The survey included sociodemographic, health status and clinical practice questions. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (personal, work‐ and patient‐related burnout), the Resilience Scale, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were used. RESULTS: A total of 511 physiotherapists (median 33 years old, 82% females) completed the survey. The participants worked mainly in private practice (50%) and wards (35%). During COVID‐19, 52% were working directly with patients, but only 18% were working with COVID‐19 patients. Personal (42%), work‐ (42%) and patient‐related burnout (25%) was observed. Three significant models explained personal‐ (R (2) = 51%), work‐ (R (2) = 31%) and patient‐related burnout (R (2) = 16%). Lower levels of resilience and higher levels of depression and stress were significantly associated with personal, work‐ and patient‐related burnout. Being female and working directly with patients were additionally associated with both personal and work‐related burnout. Having health problems and working with COVID‐19 patients were only associated with personal burnout. CONCLUSIONS: More than 40% of physiotherapists experienced personal and work‐related burnout and 25% patient‐related burnout, with resilience, depression and stress having a relevant role in the three burnout dimensions. Early detection and management strategies need to be implemented to address physiotherapists' physical and psychological fatigue and exhaustion

Interrupções e seus efeitos sobre a dinâmica de trabalho do enfermeiro

RESUMO Objetivos Investigar a percepção de enfermeiros sobre as interrupções durante a dinâmica de trabalho e suas implicações no ambiente de prática profissional. Métodos Pesquisa survey conduzida junto a 133 enfermeiros de um hospital de ensino no interior do Estado de São Paulo nos meses de outubro de 2015 a março de 2016, mediante utilização de um questionário autoadministrado. Empregou-se os testes Qui-quadrado e Fisher para análise estatística. Resultados A maioria dos enfermeiros relatou interrupções constantes e recorrentes durante atividades de trabalho. Os processos interruptivos são mais frequentes durante o processo de documentação (n=118; 91,5%) e orientação ao paciente/família (n=58; 45%). São ocasionados por toque de telefone (n=114; 87%) e resolução de problemas na unidade (n=107; 81,7%). Conclusões No parecer dos enfermeiros, os processos interruptivos repercutem sobre a dinâmica de trabalho, o processo de cuidar e a segurança dos pacientes